Tag Archives: exeter together

Why it made no sense to protest against the EDL

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Chris Filsell explains why he thinks your polite ignorance would probably have done more to damage their credibility than shouting matches ever could have.

What is it about the English Defence League that makes them such a hot topic of conversation? Even the most politically illiterate amongst us have an opinion on the organisation, even if it is just some vague comment about how they’re ‘a bit racist.’ For many people, the EDL are despicable, threatening and downright disturbing, showcasing the worst aspects of ignorance and bigotry.

If an Exeter student was found to have the vaguest link to the organisation, even the fanciest of gilet’s would not prevent them from being ostracized by our community. For me, however, the EDL are an essentially pathetic group and therefore provide us with a great deal of entertainment. This is one of the reasons why I did not participate in the Exeter Together counter-demonstration on Saturday.

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“…I see little point in the protesting: if you want the EDL to be exposed as ‘racist’ or ‘ignorant’ let them do the talking, it will be a lot more effective than any crudely made placard ever could be. “
Photo Credit: Niklas Rahmel

Now don’t get me wrong, I find the majority of the English Defence League’s political views abhorrent. Nonetheless, I can’t help but feel like there might have been something more worthwhile to do last Saturday than protest against a group who are most famous for a viral video concerning the spread of “Iraqi Law in London.”

For those of you who have not seen it, a quick YouTube search for ‘muslamic ray guns’ will show you a man in a tracksuit spouting incoherently about the grave threat that Islam poses to the entirety of the world. Clearly, this man is bigoted but, crucially, his views are so ridiculous that we are unable to take him seriously; in speaking his mind, he has compromised his organisation.

Therefore, I see little point in the protesting: if you want the EDL to be exposed as ‘racist’ or ‘ignorant’ let them do the talking, it will be a lot more effective than any crudely made placard ever could be.

Protesting could, in fact, have done more harm than good. For one, it immediately legitimises the supposed ‘threat’ that the EDL poses, when we should really be attempting to make them appear irrelevant. The organisation should be considered on a similar level to the various drunkards ranting in the streets at night, not as a serious political organisation. In protesting, you are transforming a demonstration that could easily be ignored into an ‘event’, creating more exposure for the English Defence League, which can only be a bad thing.

There is also the question of whether protesting could actually generate some form of sympathy for the organisation. This may seem like a stupid statement: how could anyone in their right mind possibly feel sorry for the EDL? But if we cast our minds back to 2009, the year in which BNP leader Nick Griffin appeared on BBC’s Question Time, we can see how other supposed ‘bigots’ were able to make themselves appear hard done-by. Whilst some may argue that Griffin’s appearance only strengthened his negative public image, in actuality, it was something of a Succès de scandale, with 243 of the 416 complaints concerned with the BBC’s supposed bias.

This does not mean that I am directly comparing an Exeter EDL march with a national television event; the amount of exposure generated by a television appearance is obviously greater than that of a protest. But it is important to recognise that by going into town and shouting at the EDL, you aren’t doing anything other than giving them more attention and possibly, if the abuse hurled is almost equally angry, winning them a few more supporters.

Perhaps more importantly, we should question whether a counter-demonstration actually achieved anything?  Protesting was not exactly going to ‘convert’ existing EDL supporters to our side: it was only going to strengthen their views as they are presented with something to ‘fight against.’ Similarly, since the general consensus on the English Defence League appears to be that they are ‘bigots’, it seems unlikely that we will be saying anything that has not already been said a thousand times over. Sorry to be so cynical, but I can’t help but wonder whether this counter-demonstration was only set up in order to allow those who attend to say that they went.

But I’ll move away from this tangent, because I actually have a serious point to make. If you really do oppose the EDL that much, then you had every right to march in town on Saturday. But rather than joining the Exeter Together demonstration, it might have been more effective to try walking past the EDL, listening to what they were saying and walking on. Your polite ignorance would probably have done more to damage their credibility than shouting matches ever could have.

Chris Filsell

Did you go out and march against the EDL? Is ignoring them the most effective response? Leave a comment below or write to the Comment team at the Exeposé Comment Facebook Group or on Twitter@CommentExepose.

Pride, Not Prejudice: Exeter & the EDL

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Liam Monsell provides a fantastic account of Saturday’s events including interviews with members of the EDL and Exeter Together.

The English Defence League’s decision to embark on a peaceful protest in Exeter has not only tested the nature of the city’s multicultural values, but has also proved to highlight the national disparity between political and social sects.

Labelling themselves as a “Human rights group opposed to militant Islam,” the EDL is inherently nationalist, with fascistic principles present in their reactive hostility to Islam and multiculturalism. Despite this, they maintain that they are a peaceful human rights group opposed only to militant Muslims.

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“This doesn’t justify their behaviour, but it highlights that there are issues on both sides that need to be addressed.”
Photo Credit: Niklas Rahmel

The demonstration which took place on Saturday 16th November was peaceful to the extent that no major fights broke out, but by no means was it a pleasant display on their part. This is nothing new. The group regularly tour around the country causing similar instances of disorder and chaos. Unfortunately their conduct has gained them a reputation that means they rarely get the opportunity to express the deepest of their grievances.

This is a sympathy I have toward the EDL. As much as I disagree with their ideology, I believe they should have the right to express their views in the same manner everyone else does. What many of them lack however is the capacity to do so respectably, but I understand that more often than not they get provoked into behaving barbarically before they even get the opportunity. This doesn’t justify their behaviour, but it highlights that there are issues on both sides that need to be addressed.

What was enlightening about Saturday’s demonstration was Exeter’s reaction. I spent many hours in Bedford Square on Saturday and witnessed a very impressive turnout of over 1000 locals of many ages, backgrounds and political persuasions. College and University students also gathered at the scene, asserting their desire to stand for equality, and to prevent the perversion of the core qualities of their multicultural Exeter. There was a real sense of togetherness. The event was organised by the recently established Exeter Together, along with Unite Against Fascism and the English Disco Lovers, with appearances from the Anti-Nazi league and academics from Exeter University’s centre of Arab and Islamic studies.

The message of protest against the EDL’s presence was strong, although the atmosphere was generally calm and peaceful. Volunteers read poetry, sang songs and offered messages of love, harmony and unity. Speaking to many people attending the demonstration, many of which were students, there was an abundant claim that the nature of Exeter’s diversity and multiculturalism made it a community that had no need for the EDL’s presence, whose perceived zeal in the realms of “hateful xenophobic hooliganism” is claimed to only strengthen the city’s stance against intolerance rather than fragment it.

With all the smiles (despite the slowly worsening weather,) music and conversation, you could have almost found yourself forgetting about the infamous group that catalysed Saturday’s demonstration in the first place. A swift walk down Queen Street revealed the alternative approach to political confrontation. Cooped up within the proximity of Northernhay gardens, and indeed a barrier of policemen, stood the Defence League in their hundreds.

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“Despite the leader’s peaceful claims, there was no warmth, and there was no peace, only the violent onslaught of chants and a sea of covered faces and British flags.”
Photo Credit: Niklas Rahmel

 

Despite the leader’s peaceful claims, there was no warmth, and there was no peace, only the violent onslaught of chants and a sea of covered faces and British flags. What may indeed have started as a peaceful demonstration was certainly beginning to sour at an alarming rate.

Behind me, the story wasn’t much better. Unjustly praising themselves with being on the moral high ground, left-wing extremists and anarchists similarly found themselves hypocritically denouncing the hateful doctrine of the EDL with aggressive chants and threats of violence from behind a wall of high visibility jackets. Chants of “Off our streets, Nazi scum!” were met with the roar of “E-E-E-D-L!” and “You’re not English anymore!”

If you walked into the scenario with no contextual knowledge, you wouldn’t be able to tell who the demonstration was based around. The heavy presence of police prevented any major conflict from spiralling out of control, although everyone could tell that it would only take one spark to set the whole situation alight.

It was a fascinating, yet brutally eye-opening experience. Like many others, I had only properly seen the EDL on the TV, and even though their behaviour on the news was undoubtedly much worse than the events of Saturday, it still came as shock. Before, I withheld some opinions of the group on the grounds of not wanting to generalise, and the absence of sufficient exposure to their subjects. After Saturday, although still not in a position to totally generalise, I can see that there is an indisputable lack of consistency between what the party’s leaders claim to stand for, and how the followers of the group execute their protest. There also exists a flaw in how students like me view the EDL. Several members and sympathisers told me how they resented that fact that all members are generalised as “mindless Neanderthal thugs,” and that such opinions are invalid as students are “separated from what’s real, only reading about it in books and not experiencing it on the street.”

Much of what was said is true to a certain extent. It may be the lack of information and exposure to the sources of discontent on both sides that keeps this conflict spinning in perpetual motion, and perhaps the reduction of these complex topics into rather objective, political and therefore teachable principles drains them of the quality that enables us to understand them properly. This may be where the university comes in.

Image credit: Niklas Rahmel
“Such matters, regardless of how important and interesting, are dangerous, and an onslaught of young impressionable students ardent for some desperate political glory can only threaten to dampen the dignity of any notion of tolerance that exists in our society.”
Photo Credit: Niklas Rahmel

The University was right to request as little association with the event as possible, and as far as I am aware, no student responded to the League’s presence in a manner that undermined its credibility. Such matters, regardless of how important and interesting, are dangerous, and an onslaught of young impressionable students ardent for some desperate political glory can only threaten to dampen the dignity of any notion of tolerance that exists in our society. On a local level, the University undoubtedly and justly wants to protect its name.

To appropriately combat these issues, an element of grace and cooperation should be maintained, and whilst the University was right to remain distant from the issue, appropriate steps should be made to at least foster a notion of political tolerance in young students that may prevent conflict that devalues what the institution promotes. Saturday’s demonstration was a pragmatic way to promote such a mentality, displaying the ability for many different groups to unite in a gathering that preaches what really defines Britain as a modern nation. If Exeter wants to protect its status of vibrant diversity, it should keep walking in the direction suggested by the events of the 16th.

Liam Monsell

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Exeter marches: EDL members don burqas whilst 1000+ counter demonstrate

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The English Defence League (EDL) marched through Exeter this afternoon, on the same day as a counter-march organised by Exeter Together reportedly attracted in excess of 1,000 attendees.

Image credit: Niklas Rahmel
Image credit: Niklas Rahmel

Between 225 and 300 people took to the streets of Exeter in support of the far-right group’s national demonstration, with the heavily policed protest route travelling down New North Road and Queen Street before a rally at Northernhay Gardens.

The Exeter Together rally started in Belmont Park at 10:30 a.m., before proceeding down Sidwell Street and into Bedford Square, where many people stayed for several hours for live music and speeches.

Two EDL protesters were controversially seen wearing burqas before and during this afternoon’s demonstration. As the EDL demonstrators prepared to leave their meeting point at a pub in a city centre at around 1.15pm, the two individuals were seen to pretend to pray in the middle of the road while wearing the traditional Islamic dress.

Other nearby demo attendees carried a large sign stating, “BAN THE BURKA”.  Despite the EDL reporting earlier in the day that a local Muslim woman would be joining them on the march, no such person was sighted by Exeposé reporters.

Image credit: Niklas Rahmel
Image credit: Niklas Rahmel

The protest was generally peaceful, although there were a few flashpoints along the route, as anti-EDL bystanders shouting at the protest were met with EDL demonstrators trying to breach the police line. Exeposé News reporters observed scuffles which required police intervention, particularly as the march culminated with the entrance into Northernhay Gardens. At least one anti-EDL protester was pulled away by police as he tried to intercept the march.

According to Express and Echo, 30 year old man is in custody for being found in possession of an offensive weapon on Queen Street this afternoon and two others were separately arrested on alcohol related offences. It is also reported that 400 police officers were on the streets in Exeter today, including a mounted police unit.

Reporters were later removed from the site of the Northernhay Gardens rally to alleviate perceived “tension” amongst the EDL ranks. Exeposé’s photographer was pushed and verbally abused by EDL demonstrators who grew increasingly antagonistic as he took photos. The police intervened and the situation was diffused.

Devon and Cornwall Police reported via Twitter that the day had been “successful”.

Several Twitter users reacted to the march, saying:

 

Many people also commented on some EDL members wearing burqas, saying:

 

 

City Council leader Pete Edwards, who was at the front of the Exeter Together march, said: “Today has been a great day for Exeter. Over 1,000 people have turned out to stand together against fascism and racism. It’s good stuff for Exeter and all its citizens.”

Owen Keating, News Editor

Additional reporting by Olivia Luder, Online Editor and Meg Drewett, Editor

EDL: Don't Play Into Their Hands

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With the EDL marching in the city on Saturday, Bryan Toh argues that we should just ignore them and not provide them with fuel for future protests.

Photo Credit: West Midlands Police via Compfight cc
“I say don’t give the EDL what it wants; instead, just ignore them. Some might call it meek, but I believe it is simply the more efficient way to deal with such groups.”
Photo Credit: West Midlands Police via Compfight cc

Despite the good intentions of Exeter Together and my disdain for the EDL’s anti-Islamic sentiment, I am unsure if holding a march against the EDL’s own is the most productive way to express opposition to the controversial group. Religion can polarise opinion, but in a multicultural, modern and tolerant society like the United Kingdom, it is rare to hear extremist views like the EDL’s on these issues.

To me, organising a march against them gives them the attention they crave. It draws the limelight onto them, and gives them a platform to shout out their message of hate, which would otherwise be nothing but a whisper. This not only risks putting more people in distress, but also increases the chances of someone hearing, and getting misled by the EDL’s message.

As with any two opposing protests, tensions will run high. Should any sort of violence erupt between the EDL and Exeter Together, it will again just be playing into the EDL’s hands and providing them with fodder for future protests.  Additionally, a counter-demonstration is unlikely to deter a group as convinced of its message as the EDL. They will most likely proceed as planned, trumpeting their right to do so under the law.

Don’t give the EDL what it wants; instead, just ignore them. Some might call it meek, but I believe it is simply the most efficient way to deal with such groups. By showing via our everyday actions that Exeter is a community that celebrates diversity, and ignoring the noise made by the EDL, we send a strong message that their skewed beliefs have no place among us. Should they decide to push certain boundaries in seeking attention, I have faith that the local authorities will react appropriately.

Having been privileged enough to grow up in a culturally inclusive country like Singapore, and then study in another, I am all for religious equality and so give Exeter Together my full backing. I just feel that giving the EDL the cold shoulder would be an easier and more effective approach.

Bryan Toh

Is Bryan right or should we stand up against the EDL? Leave a comment below or write to the Comment team at the Exeposé Comment Facebook Group or on Twitter@CommentExepose.

EDL: Why We Should Counter March

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With the EDL coming to town on Saturday, Joshua Mines argues in favour of the Exeter Together demonstration.

I doubt there will be many reading this who need much persuading about the reasons why we should disagree with the EDL; an organisation known for aggressive xenophobia and racism. A party, so radical, that their own founder Tommy Robinson recently resigned because, “He recognised the dangers of far right extremism”. The EDL, even for him, had gone too far.

Photo Credit: David Holt London via Compfight cc
I believe in protest, and I believe in diversity as an integral part of modern Britain. “We all have a voice, and on the 16 November we have the chance to shout to the country, to Exeter, and to ourselves, what we believe in.”
Photo Credit: David Holt London via Compfight cc

The unfortunate fact of democracy is that they are still well within their rights to protest peacefully, which they intend to put into practice soon. However, it’s also a right we own and one that I feel every student, or more broadly every rationally minded person, should uphold.

Protest puts into action the ideas that are on everyone’s mind, and gives weight to the words that are on everyone’s lips behind closed doors. An opportunity for the EDL to take to the streets and get red in the face is equally an opportunity for everyone else to show the EDL up for what they are: a minority, a small amount of closed-minded, angry people venting their blaze of rage and bullying a section of society they see as lesser than themselves. Showing up in number will show the country and any far-right sympathisers that the majority of of Exeter, the University and the town disagrees with this venomous way of thinking and that we will stand up for the multinational heritage that has existed for years and continues to thrive in our city.

Though counter-protest is more likely to draw the eye to Exeter, and thus to the EDL’s activities, this is an opportunity we should embrace. More attention again offers us a chance to show that in Exeter, acceptance and diversity will always prevail over hate and discrimination.

What I’m peddling may sound cheesy, and in a time when UKIP boast higher numbers in the opinion polls than the Liberal Democrats it may sound as if I’m undermining the growth of far right ideas in this tough economic climate. Regardless of these conditions, morals and values stay the same and we should strive to uphold them.

I believe in protest, and I believe in diversity as an integral part of modern Britain. We all have a voice, and on Saturday we have the chance to shout to the country, to Exeter, and to ourselves, what we believe in.

Joshua Mines 

Is counter marching the best option? Wouldn’t it be better just to ignore the EDL? Leave a comment below or write to the Comment team at the Exeposé Comment Facebook Group or on Twitter @CommentExepose.

University quiet on EDL security measures

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Image credit: Niklas Rahmel
Image credit: Niklas Rahmel

The University of Exeter have declined to confirm if there will be any additional security on campus this Saturday 16 November, when the English Defence League (EDL) hold their national demonstration in Exeter. The University have, however, emailed all students to tell them that the march is taking place.

When contacted by Exeposé regarding security on campus this weekend, the University did not confirm if there would be any additional staff on campus, or if protestors would be allowed into any buildings on campus. The University has been directly cited by the EDL as a primary reason for their national demonstration being held in Exeter.

In an article on their website titled “Why we are going to Exeter”, the EDL cite the University’s longstanding interest in the study of Islamophobia as a key reason for Exeter being chosen as the location for the march. In addition, the far-right group mention the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies and the funding it offers for PhDs in Islamic Studies, as well as the Forum, which was in part funded by a £5 million donation from Muhammed al-Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, an emirate which the EDL calls: “one of the most conservative[…]in the United Arab Emirates”.

The University responded to these accusations, saying: “The Arab and Islamic world is a subject of academic study at the University in the same way as Physics, History, French or English”.

“It doesn’t follow that just because we have an academic specialism that the University is sympathetic to any particular cause.

“Yes, we have accepted donations from people and institutions in the Middle East for the pursuance of research or teaching, as we have from the UK, the US and Europe. All large donations are ethically checked before they are received.

“Saudi Arabia is the UK’s biggest trading partner in the Middle East and designated a ‘High Growth Market’ by UKTI, as is the Emirates, of which Sharjah is a part.

“We are not expecting the march to come near the University”.

Hannah Barton, Guild President, also added: “The University of Exeter provides a wealth of exciting opportunities to study various cultures, societies and religions – and the study of the Middle East is no exception.

“There is great value in studying all cultures and the Students’ Guild is proud that our University offers such a diverse programme of courses. We continue to celebrate diversity amongst our students and the community.

“The city of Exeter, the University and the Students’ Guild enjoy a unique community feel and this is in part due to our multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-faith population”.

The EDL have announced that they are marching through Exeter on the afternoon of Saturday 16 November. There will also be a number of protests against the EDL’s presence in the city, as the Exeter Together group are leading a protest which starts in Belmont Park at 10.30am, culminating with a rally at Bedford Square at 12pm. Several groups, including the English Disco Lovers, and United Against Fascism (UAF) are also expected to contribute to this counter-march.

The EDL march route has not yet been confirmed, as part of a police strategy to avoid flashpoints between marches.

This is not the first time that the EDL have protested in Exeter. In June of this year, the Exeter division of the EDL organised a vigil in memory of Drummer Lee Rigby, who was brutally murdered in May. However, no-one attended the vigil. A previous EDL march in Exeter, organised as part of a campaign to “Ban the Burqa”, was also sparsely attended; only 15 people eventually turned up, in contrast to approximately 300 people who attended a celebration of diversity in the city centre on the same day.

Turnout for the national demonstration is expected to be significantly higher than previous EDL events in Exeter; at the time of going to press, the Facebook event for the demonstration has over 300 people “attending”.

Clara Plackett, a third year English student, told Exeposé: “Because of the relatively large numbers potentially involved in both the demonstration and the march opposing it, I would like to know what measures the University will put in place to ensure student safety in the event of any disturbances. As it is, I’ll be working at home on the 16th, and not on campus”.

Hannah Barton, Guild President, stated: “We are working closely with the University and Police to ensure that the safety of students remains a constant consideration throughout planning for the day. The Guild is confident that they will work to ensure the safety of all students in the City centre and on campus, however we would encourage all students to consider the impact that the march may have on their plans for the weekend”.

Owen Keating, News Editor

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EDL National Demo in Exeter on Saturday

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Image credit: Express and Echo
Image credit: Exeter Express and Echo

An English Defence League (EDL) National Demo is to take place this Saturday in Exeter. It is expected that supporters of the far right organisation will travel to the city to protest against ‘militant Islam’.

A statement on the EDL’s website entitled “Why We Are Going to Exeter” highlights the University’s Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies and Centre for the Study of Islam as reasons for holding the demonstration in the city.

The statement says: “We will not stand idly by while British morals are ground under to make way for primitive customs that excuse themselves under the banner of religion. On the 16th November we will stand in protest in Exeter and we will demand action. We will not be silent.”

In response to the EDL demo, a group called Exeter Together have arranged a march on the same day to celebrate diversity and resist “racism and fascism”. Exeter Together was created and set up at the start of October, and has since gained support from multiple societal groups.

Alongside organisations such as the National Union of Teachers, the Public and Commercial Services Union and Exeter Pride, societies from the University have also shown their support for Exeter Together’s cause.

They include the University’s UNISON branch, UCU branch, the International Society, Palestine Society and Socialist Students. Individuals from the University who have claimed their support for the cause include the presidents of both the Liberal Democrat and Labour Society; Ollie Garrod, the University’s Athletics Captain; and Hannah Barton, the President of the Student’s Guild.

Hannah Barton, Guild President, said: “I feel it is important that we celebrate the diversity of our student population and the city of Exeter. Exeter enjoys a unique and very special community feel, due in part to our multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-faith population. I believe that we are privileged to have such a population and we should enjoy this aspect of living in such a wonderful place.”

Local Labour MP Ben Bradshaw has also pledged his support to Exeter Together.

A statement from Exeter Together reads: “We are proud of the diversity of our city which is most visibly seen at the annual Respect festival. The EDL are not welcome in Exeter. We call on all to take a firm, peaceful stand against the EDL by coming together to celebrate our diversity on the day.”

The University of Exeter have not confirmed whether there will be additional security on campus on Saturday but did say that they “are not expecting the march to come near the University.”

In an email to all students and staff, Chief Operating Officer Dr Claire Baines said: “I am writing to let you know that there is a planned march by the English Defence League on Saturday 16 November in Exeter city centre. We understand that a counter-march by opponents of the EDL is also going to take place. You may want to take note of this information if you are planning to visit the city centre.”

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “There will be a heightened police presence on the day due to there potentially being a large number of people at both marches. We aim to reduce the impact on local people as much as possible.” He explained that the police will “respect the right to peacefully protest” but “if there is disorder then will act.”

Exeposé Online will be reporting on the protests throughout the day with live coverage as the demonstrations take place.

Tom Elliott, Online News Editor

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EDL march to be challenged by counter-demonstration

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Image credit: Exeter Together
Image credit: Exeter Together

In response to an English Defence League march planned for Saturday November 16, a group called Exeter Together has planned a counter demonstration for the same day.

The anti-EDL group has called forth the action with this message: “The EDL are not welcome in Exeter. We call on all to take a firm stand against the EDL by coming together to celebrate our diversity on the day”.

Those attending the Exeter Together march are set to meet in Belmont Park at 10:30am on 16 November. The march will begin at 11am, where they will move through the city centre, finishing their march at 12pm in Bedford Square.

Speaking to the Express and Echo, Hannah Packham, spokesperson for Exeter Together said: “We want to unite together in a celebration of diversity and the multi-cultural, multi-safe community we are all so proud of in Exeter. We need to stand together when this is threatened by people who just want to spread bigotry and hatred.

“When people know about what we are doing they sign up to it. They are horrified the EDL are coming to their city and everyone we have spoken to has been more than happy to support us”.

Exeter Together was created and set up at the start of October, and has since gained much support from multiple societal groups. At the time of writing this article, Exeter Together has gained 361 supporters for the demonstration, and this is expected to grow over the next few weeks. These supporters include national, local and regional organisations, as well as local individuals.

Alongside such organisations as the National Union of Teachers, Exeter Quakers, the Public and Commercial Services Union and Exeter Pride, societies from the University of Exeter have also shown their support for Exeter Together’s cause.

They include the University’s UNISON branch, UCU branch, the International Society, Palestine Society, Mature Students Society and Singapore Society. As well as this, individuals from the University have also allied with the cause, such as Alexander Whattam of the Liberal Democrat Society; Ollie Garrod, the University’s Athletics Captain; and Hannah Barton, the President of the Student’s Guild.

The plans for the march have been confirmed with the police, and Exeter Together has planned to stage their march before the EDL’s in order to avoid confrontation.

An anonymous statement from a local resident on the Exeter Together website says: “I support the statement of Exeter Together and hope that we can promote a society that welcomes different cultures and ethnicities in Exeter, based on principles of respect and solidarity, not the divisive ideology of the EDL and their sympathisers.”

Hannah Barton, Guild President, said: “I feel it is important that we celebrate the diversity of our student population and the city of Exeter. Exeter enjoys a unique and very special community feel, due in part to our multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-faith population. I believe that we are privileged to have such a population and we should enjoy this aspect of living in such a wonderful place.”

Amy Young, News Team

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